“Restrictions have been imposed by district magistrate of Srinagar in Kothibagh, Maisuma, Batmaloo, Karan Nagar and Sheheedgunj areas today (Wednesday).”

“Vehicular movement and pedestrian passage has been restricted in these areas, although there is no restrictions on movements of patients and other emergencies,” a senior police officer told IANS.

Huge jams at all the major and minor traffic junctions here delayed commuters and office-goers for hours as security men spread coils of concertina wire on the roads to prevent entry into areas placed under restrictions.

Authorities have been since the early 1990s disallowing Shia Muslim processions during the Muharram month to prevent anti-social elements from fomenting trouble.